Bonds Beyond Backgrounds

While in class, Natasha was consumed with thoughts of James. Even though she didn't know his name, she was enamored with his demeanor and couldn't stop staring at her phone in anticipation of his text.

James utilized the K200 that Natasha handed him to help with groceries for the house on his way home. James walked home, so when he finally got there, he was worn out. He simply carried his purchases into the kitchen, made his way to his room, and dozed off right away.

Natasha was on her phone in her boarding house, waiting for a missed text message. She thought it would be from James, so she checked every message and notification since she was so eager. When she didn't hear back, she started talking to herself in circles.

"Perhaps he finds me offensive. Perhaps I'm not attractive. Does this mean I'm not attractive? Did I say something inappropriate to him?" All through the night, Natasha kept asking herself questions and reflecting until she finally gave up and went to sleep.

The following day...

When James awoke, Evelyn had left him several unanswered messages and calls. She texted and called, and the majority of her texts began as amicable ones before turning into angry ones. She was acting really upset, acting like she was his girlfriend, but James just ignored the messages and alerts, showered, and left for school.

James was excited to meet Natasha when their courses ended for the day, but on his way to the bench where they had first met, he noticed Evelyn sitting there. Evelyn noticed him, got to her feet, and rushed to give him a bear hug. She did not release him.

Evelyn: You don't know how worried I got when you didn't pick up my calls or respond to my texts.

James: Hey, I'm fine, alright?

As Natasha made her way to the same bench in the hopes of catching up with James, she was shocked to see Evelyn there, giving James a hug. While Evelyn remained in James' grasp, James noticed Natasha. With a dejected shake of her head, Natasha spun around and hurried off.

Evelyn was shocked when James released go of her at that point. James was sprinting towards Natasha, yelling for her. When Evelyn heard and saw Natasha, she became enraged and disliked her.

James came up to Nathasha and stopped her in her tracks by grabbing her hand.

James: Hey, Natasha! It's not what you think, I swear.

Natasha: You know, James, there's nothing wrong with hugging another girl. I mean, we just met yesterday. It's just that I feel so stupid because I felt that you'd be the one I guess.

James: Evelyn, she's... she's just my friend. Believe me.

Natasha: James, I know it's too soon but I really do like you. I do and --

Richard and his group showed there, interrupting Natasha. James was as astounded when Richard wrapped his arm around Natasha.

Richard: Hey baby. This goon troubling you?

James: Nah, man. It's not like that, it's just th-

Richard: Quiet you uncultured swine! Why are you bothering my girl, huh?

Natasha: Richard, please, not now!

Richard: Relax sweetheart. We just want to show this homeboy not to mess around with what's not his. 

James: I swear, it's not what you guys are thinking. I don't mean to cause any trouble. I don't want any beef with anyone.

Richard: Aren't you that poor guy who got sponsored? The one doing Computer Science?

James: Um, yeah, that's me.

Richard: So what is a poor guy such as yourself doing with a girl of high standards such as Natasha who isn't even your girl.

James: L-like I said, it's not what you think.

Richard: You talk too much! 

Richard then struck James hard in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground. 

Natasha: Richard, Stop it!

Richard: Why? We're just talking to him.

Richard went to the ground, about to give James another blow but James' friend, Steve came rushing and stopped Richard.

Steve: Hey! You heard the young lady. Stop it! Now you take your group of clowns elsewhere before I take this matter further.

Richard and his gang then left.

Steve: (Helping James up) You alright, homie?

James: I'm good homie! 

Steve: (To Natasha) I don't think we've met. (Stretches out hand) I'm Steven, Steve for short.

Natasha: (Shakes his hand) Natasha! You two know each other.

James: Yeah, Steve and I, we've known each other since we were like 7. We're basically brothers.

Steve: That's right. (To James) You take care of yourself man. Later homie.

James: Alright bro.

James and Natasha were the only ones remaining after Steve left. James glanced to Natasha, who was glancing back at him as she tried to come up with the perfect phrase.

Natasha: I can explain

James: You don't have to. Let me guess, Richard, a guy you've known since you were little, claims you to be his girl when really, he isn't. He stops whoever tries to be with you because he wants to be with you?

Natasha: Um, yeah, something like that.

James: Well, that's Evelyn and I.

Natasha: Oh. Well, why didn't you start with that.

James: Because you wouldn't let me explain.

Natasha: Well, I'm sorry and I guess I overreacted. I mean, (Chuckles) I'm not even your girlfriend or anything.

James: Well, the man who always sells Shawarmas across tells me to find myself a girl and he said that if I take a girl there, he'll be giving me free food and drinks worth K150 3 times a week, every week, for a whole year. I know, it's not much but Shawarma dates can make sense, I guess and maybe we can go for a short walk.

Natasha: I'd love that, and I'd love to but I'm sorry, I can't because I have to study. I have an exam tomorrow.

James: Oh, alright then I guess I can buy the shawarmas and we can have a little shawarma date from your room or something as we.... "study".

Natasha: Wouldn't you have to go home or something?

James: I can spend the night in Steve's boarding house.

Natasha: I guess that's okay with me. You can go gate the shawarmas and drinks and come back to my room to.... "study".

James: To study, exactly. We would get them for free if I go with you but you go prepare, today, it's on me.

Natasha: (smiled) Alright sir!

James departed, making his way to acquire the shawarmas, while Natasha stayed behind, grinning and content that her roommate had gone to spend the night at the hospital with her ailing father.

STARLIGHT CREATIONS

THE BIG FEUD

Gabriel Tembo

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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